Get Fit - Fairchild took control of his health

Published: Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 3:13 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 3:13 p.m.

Joshua Fairchild, 38, a pre-PA student lost 90 pounds.

What prompted the changes: I had been in shape before and was tired of looking and feeling bad. Life is too short, precious and usually comes with plenty of its own limiting circumstances. I was responsible for my obesity and was taking my health for granted. It’s a gift I was mismanaging.

Most significant change: I had no idea just how much of life I was missing! I feel capable of doing almost anything and reaching goals with genuine confidence.

Workout routine: Gym 3-4 days a week: 20 minutes of cardio, then target a muscle region. At least one day of rest. During nice weather, 3- to 5-mile run outside or long walk on beach two times a week. When I first started this process I could hardly walk 2 miles!

Favorite exercise: Stairclimber

Favorite healthy food: Peanut butter of course (in moderation).

What I can do that I couldn’t do before: Honestly tell people I am comfortable in my own skin.

Primary motivation: The benefits of getting in shape are self-perpetuating and positive reinforcement. We all have bad days however, and my wonderful partner Joseph keeps me on track.

Biggest obstacle: Time! Like a lot of people, I somehow forgot exercise was an integral part of achieving and subsequently maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit. It seems silly I never had the time to be healthy, only plenty for physical mediocrity or worse. I had to make it a habit and correct my behavior to first implement positive change. Getting in shape is just one of many direct results from taking proper care of myself.

Favorite quote: We all deserve to feel good! Getting in shape is just as much a mental strategy for achieving sustainable happiness as it is a necessary part of a healthy existence. Most of life we have little control over. Getting in shape however, this we absolutely can do something about!

<p>Joshua Fairchild, 38, a pre-PA student lost 90 pounds.</p><p><b>What prompted the changes:</b> I had been in shape before and was tired of looking and feeling bad. Life is too short, precious and usually comes with plenty of its own limiting circumstances. I was responsible for my obesity and was taking my health for granted. It's a gift I was mismanaging.</p><p><b>Most significant change: </b> I had no idea just how much of life I was missing! I feel capable of doing almost anything and reaching goals with genuine confidence. </p><p><b>Workout routine: </b>Gym 3-4 days a week: 20 minutes of cardio, then target a muscle region. At least one day of rest. During nice weather, 3- to 5-mile run outside or long walk on beach two times a week. When I first started this process I could hardly walk 2 miles!</p><p><b>Favorite exercise:</b> Stairclimber</p><p><b>Favorite healthy food: </b>Peanut butter of course (in moderation).</p><p><b>What I can do that I couldn't do before: </b>Honestly tell people I am comfortable in my own skin.</p><p><b>Primary motivation: </b>The benefits of getting in shape are self-perpetuating and positive reinforcement. We all have bad days however, and my wonderful partner Joseph keeps me on track.</p><p><b>Biggest obstacle: </b>Time! Like a lot of people, I somehow forgot exercise was an integral part of achieving and subsequently maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit. It seems silly I never had the time to be healthy, only plenty for physical mediocrity or worse. I had to make it a habit and correct my behavior to first implement positive change. Getting in shape is just one of many direct results from taking proper care of myself. </p><p><b>Favorite quote: </b>We all deserve to feel good! Getting in shape is just as much a mental strategy for achieving sustainable happiness as it is a necessary part of a healthy existence. Most of life we have little control over. Getting in shape however, this we absolutely can do something about!</p>